Arsenal And The Unfinished Business In The EFL Cup After Birmingham Loss In 2011- Jack Wilshere

Arsenal And The Unfinished Business In The EFL Cup After Birmingham Loss In 2011- Jack Wilshere

Arsenal suffered a shock 2-1 loss to Birmingham City seven years ago after a costly mix-up at the end allowed Obafemi Martins to pounce.

Wilshere has had better success at Wembley since then, with Arsenal winning the FA Cup three times in the last four years, but he admits that it feels as though his side have some “unfinished business” to take care of on their latest trip to the national stadium.

“In 2011, we were expected to win and I was convinced we were going to win and come home with silverware,” he told Sky Sports News. “I think it helps as you grow up in football. You get more experience in these [situations]. I know we didn’t like it, but I think it helped me in my career; it was a horrible feeling.

“We’ve won at Wembley in the FA Cup and it was the best thing ever. [They are] totally different emotions and we don’t want to feel [defeat] again. We know that City will be tough, but we also know what it takes to win at Wembley, and we have a fantastic record there. It’s a final and anything can happen. We’ll be ready.

“Since [the Birmingham game], we haven’t really been anywhere near [the final] in this competition. I want to add this trophy to my collection, and almost feel there is some unfinished business because of the 2011 final.”